The programme for middle managers

Leadership in your own specific role, personnel management, strategy and change: How do you lead in this sandwich position and through feedback? How do you develop your staff, including in multi-generational and intercultural teams?
The programme takes place through four in-person modules, a personal situation assessment using an Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ), and two online sessions (“digital stopovers”). If you have individual questions about your leadership situation, there is an option to work on possible solutions for two hours in a 1:1 coaching session.

Details about the programme can be found in the fact sheet. We usually send out the call for applications to institute directors 4–6 months before the programme start date.

Programme dates

2024:

2025:

At a glance
  • Format: Four two-day in-person modules, interspersed with two half-day online sessions (“digital stopovers”).
  • Target group: Department and section heads of Leibniz institutes (middle management level in research, infrastructure or administration), who already have several years’ leadership experience.
  • Programme language: German. Some individual programmes are offered in English.
  • Locations: The in-person modules take place in Berlin / Brandenburg (M1, M3, M4) and Mannheim (M2).
  • Times: Module 1 starts at 6 pm, Modules 2–4 at 7.30 pm, including dinner in each case. The programme ends on the day of departure at 4 pm.
  • Cost: €4,500 plus VAT. Price includes participation in the programme, all documents, and accommodation and meals during the in-person modules.
Application and selection

One application per institute can be considered per programme cohort. If more than one person from your institute is interested, your institute will make a preliminary selection. Please note that this means you can only apply after consulting your institute director.

Once the application window closes, the programme advisory board of the Leibniz Leadership Academy will select the participants in line with the following criteria:

  • Leibniz Competition funding
  • Target group fit, especially in terms of leadership experience, as described above
  • Only one person per institute
  • Balanced participation from all five Sections
  • Equal number of female and male participants

FAQ on the application process

Saskia Demling
T 030 206049 644
demling@leibniz-gemeinschaft.de